A Wilcox resident has been arrested for simple assault and harassment for an attack allegedly taking place last Wednesday night at a Jones Township residence. State police report 19 year old Benjamin Yonker went to the home of an 18 year old woman on the Glen Hazel Road and began yelling at her. The verbal altercation became physical and Yonker was placed under arrest. Following arraignment, Younker was released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

Coudersport based state police have not yet released details about a collision Sunday morning on Route 6 in Roulette Township near the goat farm. A tanker truck and another unit collided at or near the intersection with West Main Street. Roulette volunteer emergency services personnel were on the scene for several hours. One lane of Route 6 was re-opened after about three hours. Prior to that, traffic was re-routed over Kim Hill Road to the Burtville area.

Minor injuries reported for Troy, PA woman whose vehicle collided with a tractor trailer last Tuesday morning on Route 6 in Richmond Township, Tioga County. State police at Mansfield explained that a Toyota Matrix driven by Sheryl Hubinsky crossed the double yellow line and traveled into the opposite lane just before 10:00 am. Wallace Scutt of Palmyra, PN tried to swerve his rig to avoid a collision but the compact car struck the semi’s trailer. Hubinsky was treated at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro. Scutt was not hurt.

DUI charges have been lodged against 32 year old Dennis Bashline Jr. (no address given) by state police at Kane. Officers claim when they stopped Bashline at the intersection of the Moody Hollow Road and Route 446 in Keating Township, McKean County of the night of September 29, they found he had been driving under the influence.

State police at Kane have also arrested 28 year old Thomas Clark of Kane for DUI. The charges at the result of an investigation into a one vehicle crash on the West Wind Road in Wetmore Township this past Friday night.

Troopers at the Mansfield barracks arrested Chad Alesky of Monror3eton, PA for DUI after pulling him over for an alleged traffic violation September 3 at the intersection of Route 287 and 15 tin Tioga Township.

A Driftwood woman is the victim of a forgery. Authorities relate criminals opened a Dish Network account in Nicole Harvey’s name without her permission last Thursday afternoon.
Vandalism occurring this past weekend on Old Portage Road in Portage Township, Cameron County is being probed by state police at Emporium,.Culprits used a blunt object to smash the windshield o a vehicle owned by Cheryl Ann Housel.

A couple of Tioga County residents have been arrested for a criminal trespass and criminal mischief last month in Knoxville. According to state police at Mansfield 31 year old Tyrell Schmidt of Westfield and 20 year old Zoey Shomo of Tioga were found by the homeowner, sleeping inside a house on W. Railroad Street in Knoxville at around 6:00am September 13. The couple did not have permission to enter the home.

The Buckhorn Hotel in Kane has been cited by liquor law enforcement agents for allegedly violating state law. Authorities claim the bar failed to maintain complete and truthful records covering its operations from a two year period immediately preceding May 16, 2017 and failed to live up to a previous agreement with the Bureau of Liquor Control between this past January 23 and August 14. The charges were brought before an administrative law judge who can impose penalties ranging from$50 to $1,000for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. The judge can also suspend the bar’s licens or even revoke it depending on the severity of the charge and can mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting area residents to a free Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Kane Community Center, 46 Fraley St., Kane.
Speakers will include McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer; McKean County Sheriff Dan Woods; and McKean County Deputy Sheriff and long-time firearms instructor Roger Sager. Topics will include Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding state gun laws.
“Whether you already own firearms or are just thinking about making a purchase, this forum provides a great opportunity to learn more about your rights and how to handle your firearms safely,” Causer said.
People who wish to attend the seminar are encouraged to register in advance by visiting www.RepCauser.com or calling the Kane office at 814-837-0880. Seating is limited.

ObituariesYvonne A. Fox, 77, of Austin, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Mead’s Personal Care Home, Little Marsh.Born Nov. 19, 1939, in York, she was the daughter of the late Charles M. and Ruth T. (Klinedinst) Emswiler Sr.She was a graduate of Central High School in York, and a member of the Methodist Faith. On July 9, 1960, in York she married John Fox, who survives. Yvonne worked at Dentsply in York for many years as a unit leader.

She and her husband greatly enjoyed travelling, motorcycle trips, snowmobiling, camping and deep sea fishing. During a fishing trip in Alaska, she survived the capsizing of a 47 foot boat and was back on the water the next day excited to land the big one.Surviving in addition to her husband, John, is a son, Brian and his friend, JC, of York. In addition to her parents, Yvonne was predeceased by two brothers, Charles M. Emswiler JR., and Ronald L. Emswiler, Sr.A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Services have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton.

Leona M. Ruter, 88, of Coudersport passed away at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo on Thursday, October 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Chester Ruter, who preceded her in death on February 15, 2003. They shared 50 wonderful years of marriage together. Leona was born November 12, 1928, in Independence, NY, the daughter of the late J. Bernard and Minerva (Smith) McGraw.

Leona was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport, and was very involved there, serving as Deacon and Elder for many years. She enjoyed volunteering her time for causes that she was passionate about including, participating in several mission trips, serving at the Christmas House, and helping with local elections. Leona was an integral part in running their family farm. She continued that hard work by helping her son, Ken, at Leona’s Greenhouse, appropriately named after Mrs. Ruter herself. She also enjoyed being a member of the Colesburg Community Club, Potter County Snowmobile Club, and was a long time 4-H leader. Most of all, Leona loved anything and everything that involved her family. She will be remembered for her warm and caring personality.
Left to cherish Leona’s memory are, her son, Ken Ruter of Coudersport, PA; daughters, Patricia Wingert (David) of North Carolina, Sharon Passavant (Glenn) of Michigan, Christine Kennedy (Rick) of Buffalo, NY, Diane Williams (Jeff) of North Carolina; grandchildren, Leanne, Amy, Nathan, Benjamin, Susan, Elyse, John, Mae, Jessica, Noah; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Moses, Aaron, Marlee, Caleb; sister, Doris Randall of Painted Post, NY; and several treasured nieces and nephews.
A receiving of family and friends was held on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., 210 North East Street, Coudersport. Leona’s funeral service will be on Monday, October 23, 2017, 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church of Coudersport with Pastor Lee Beckes officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service from 10-11 AM. Interment will take place in Sweden Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EduNations.org, P.O. Box 233, Ingomar, PA 15127, for building and operating free schools in Sierrra Leone, West Africa. This cause was especially close to Leona’s heart, as she has an adopted granddaughter and two great-grandsons from Sierra Leone.
To share your fondest memories of Leona and sign her guest book, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd., 210 North East Street, Coudersport.
Charitable donations may be made to:
EduNations
P.O. BOX 233, Ingomar PA
Web: http://EduNations.org

Born January 10, 1933, in Coryville, he was a son of Henry Leonard and Nora Rhodes Cochran. On April 7, 1956, in Port Allegany he married Shirley A. Bigley. Frank was a 1950 graduate of Port Allegany High School and was a lifelong resident of the Eldred Area.

Mr. Cochran was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Japan during the Korean War as a corporal in the Army Signal Corps from 1953-1955.

In 1995 he retired from Dexter Corp. in Olean after more than 30 years as maintenance supervisor.

Frank was a very active member of American Legion Post #887 of Eldred and at the time of his death was Post #887 Adjutant Commander as well as the Bi-County Deputy Commander. Previously he held the positions of Post #887 Commander and Bi-County Commander. He was awarded the honor of 2016 Adjutant of the Year for the 23rd District. He was also a volunteer and past board member at the Eldred WWII Museum.

He loved puttering in the garage and loved working on tractors. He was always there to help and supervise family projects.

Surviving are two daughters, Vicky Cochran of Eldred and Karen (Dan) Smith of Eldred; two sons, William (Julie) Cochran of Duke Center, Douglas (Paula) Cochran of Coudersport; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Brandy) Smith, Williamsport, PA, Michael Smith, Eldred, Cody (Nikki) Cochran, Duke Center, Chelsea (Nathan) Thomas, Eldred, Jocelyn Cochran, JeJu Island, South Korea, Cassie Cochran, Lawton, OK, Benjamin and Sarah Cochran, Coudersport; four great grandchildren; Kayden and Kameron Smith, Williamsport, Conner and Wyatt Thomas, Eldred; and one brother, Calvin Cochran, of Turtlepoint.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and his wife of 61 years, Shirley A. Cochran, who died April 16, 2017.
Friends may call on Saturday, October21, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred where funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 22, with the Rev. Jay Tennies officiating. Burial will follow in Lamphier Cemetery, Eldred.
American Legion Memorial Service will be conducted by the Eldred American Legion Post #887 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night at the funeral home and full military honors will be presented by the Eldred American Legion Post #887 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Frank and Shirley Cochran American Legion Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 134, Eldred, PA 16731, or to the American Legion Post #887 Eldred.
Online condolences can be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

We have had snow on the ground as early as October 18 in previous years in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area and with the winter season approaching, the Wolf administration has announced that a new online tool is available to inform the public of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) operations this winter.
Starting this winter, the public can view a color-coded map of when each of the nearly 40,000 miles of state-maintained roadway was last plowed by visiting the www.511PA.com plow trucks section. The information is the latest enhancement made possible by PennDOT’s Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) technology, which uses units in each of the more than 2,200 department-owned and rented plow trucks to send a cellular signal showing truck locations.
PennDOT is actively seeking approximately 480 temporary equipment operators statewide for the winter season to supplement the department’s full-time staff. Details on minimum requirements, such as possession of a CDL, as well as application information, are available at www.employment.pa.gov. Through the same website, job seekers can apply for seven other types of non-operator, winter positions such as diesel and construction equipment mechanics, welders, clerks and more.
PennDot has compiled its information about winter services and winter-driving resources for motorists at www.penndot.gov/winter. The site also has a complete winter guide with detailed information about winter services in each of PennDOT’s 11 engineering districts.
The 40,000 miles for which PennDOT is responsible translates into 96,000 snow-lane miles — enough miles to circle the globe nearly four times. A snow-lane is calculated as the miles of road multiplied by the number of lanes, which means a one-mile section of four-lane roadway would equal four snow-lane miles.
The department maintains roughly the same number of miles maintained by the state in New York, New Jersey and all of the New England states combined.
With $220 million budgeted for this winter’s statewide operations, PennDOT deploys about 4,800 on-the-road workers, has more than 652,000 tons of salt on hand across the state and will take salt deliveries throughout the winter.
When winter weather hits, PennDOT’s primary focus is on interstates and expressways, and equipment may be redirected to those routes during significant winter events. The more traffic a roadway has, the more attention it will receive from plows, so motorists may find deeper accumulations on less-traveled routes and should adjust their driving for those conditions.
If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 252 crashes resulting in 129 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
. Tires should be checked often for the correct level of air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth to perform on ice and snow. A quick way to check tread depth is to insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the entire head, the tires are worn and traction will suffer. If Drivers who live an area prone to heavy snow may want to consider using dedicated snow tires or carrying a set of tire chains. At a minimum, all-season tires should be rated for use in mud and snow.
Once vehicles are travel-ready, drivers should be prepared for winter or vehicle emergencies especially if long-distance travel is planned. PennDOT urges motorists to carry an emergency kit. An emergency kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. However, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families may have. Consider adding such items as baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies, or even children’s games.
In addition to viewing plow information, motorists can use www.511PA.com to check conditions on more than 40,000 major roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 850 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible.

Locally, PennDot announces the West Main Street (Route 4026) bridge in Roulette has reopened to traffic The bridge spans Fishing Creek and was replaced as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Rapid Bridge Replacement Project
With the bridge reopened, motorists may notice a slight bump as they drive across the bridge until a polyester polymer concrete (PPC) overlay is applied to the deck. This is often the final step in completing box beam bridge projects. The PPC overlay is designed to protect the deck from the wear and tear brought about by Pennsylvania’s harsh winters and reduce the long-term maintenance costs.
The polyester material can only be applied when temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees, dry weather is forecasted and after the bridge concrete has cured for at least 30 days. An alternating traffic pattern will be controlled by flaggers when the PPC overlay is applied in Spring 2018.
This bridge is referred to as JV-88 and is one out of the 558 bridges being replaced under the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. JV references the joint-venture partnership between Walsh/Granite, which is leading construction for the entire project. Replacement work for this bridge was performed by Walsh II.
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is a public-private partnership (P3) between PennDOT and Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), under which PWKP will finance, design, replace, and maintain the bridges for 25 years. The P3 approach will allow PennDOT to replace the bridges more quickly while achieving significant savings and minimizing impacts on motorists.
To see the bridges included in the statewide initiative and to learn more about the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project and P3 in Pennsylvania, visit www.p3forpa.pa.gov. Additional information on the project, the team, and how to bid on the project can be found at www.parapidbridges.com.
Meanwhile, The bridge on Atkins Road in Roulette township remains closed as LC Whtford crews work to replace it. That bridge is maintained by the township and spans the East Branch of Fishing Creek. Officials anticipate it will re-open by November 8.

Businesses in several Potter County communities may be eligible for funding to help pay for cosmetic improvements under a grant being administered by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance and the Pennsylvania Wilds organization. Maximum grant is $5,000 and must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the property owner. Included in the “regional façade improvement program” are Galeton, Coudersport, Austin and Ulysses boroughs, as well as the townships of Roulette, Eulalia, Sweden, Ulysses and Pike. Workshops were held throughout the region this summer. Potter County Commissioner Susan Kefover is encouraging area businesses to apply for the program. She noted at last week’s board meeting, that the number of applications is far less than the grants available.

A 27 year old Lawrenceville man has been arrested for endangering the welfare of children. According to Mansfield based state police a glass smoking device, aluminum foil with burned residue and a plastic straw with a powder inside were found in plain view in Warren Squire’s bedroom on October 8. A two year old boy apparently resides in the house on the Tioga River Road.

An elderly Pittsburgh driver was hurt in a collision Thursday morning in Portage Township, Cameron County. Troopers report impact occurred when 75 year old Gerald Thompson’s Ford Focus crossed the center line on the Sizerville Road on a left hand curve and struck a Pontiac G6 driven by Cody Reisinger of Austin. Thompson was taken to an area hospital for treatment of unknown injuries while Reisinger and his passenger James Burrs also of Austin were not hurt.
Minor injuries were reported for an Elmira, NY woman after a one-vehicle accident ibn Rutland Township Thursday afternoon. Alexandra Clarkson was going north on the Bailey Creek Road and over steered when her Honda Civic traveled off the pavement and into some loose gravel on the dirt berm. The car veered back onto the highway and spun across the road to the other side where it rolled over coming to rest in a ditch.

No one was hurt in a rear-end collision on Route 6 in Richmond Township, Tioga County, Wednesday afternoon. According to state police at the Mansfield barracks, Ethan Chabala of Mansfield and Jamie Falker of Millerton were both headed east in a line of traffic when traffic slowed for unknown reasons. The vehicle behind Falker swerved to the right to avoid contact but Chabala was not able to stop in time and his Ford Edge clipped the back of Falkler’s Dodge Caravan. Fred Rouse of Blossburg was riding in Falkler’s van and also was unhurt.

Both drivers have been cited following a collision Monday afternoon in Charleston Township. Cops explained the collision occurred when Thomas Dailey of Beaver Dams ,NY made left turn from Charleston Road onto Bryant Road in front of a car driven by William Anderson of Wellsboro. Police said Anderson tried unsuccessfully to prevent impact but his Nissan 2005X hit the rear wheel of Dailey’s Dodge Ram 2500.causing the rear axle to fall off. No injuries occurred but Dailey was cited for failing to use a turn signal and Anderson was arrested for failing to be licensed.

A Cyclone man escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Thursday night on Route 6 in Keating Township. State police say Jerry Bickford was traveling east when he became distracted and lost control of his Dodge Ram near the Kleisath Road. The truck went onto the berm, struck a guardrail and had to be towed from the scene.

Obituaries

Teresa L. Wheeler, 42, of Ceres, N.Y., formerly of Bolivar and Shinglehouse, Pa., passed away unexpectedly in her home on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.
Born on January 1, 1975 in Olean, she was a daughter of Barry L. and Susan K. Aumiller Wheeler.
Teresa earned her GED from the Bolivar-Richburg High School. She was employed by Fibercel Corporation in Portville and lastly at AVX (now Olean Advanced Products) until retiring due to an automobile accident.
As a child Teresa attended the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. She was a good “fixer” of anything, from lawn mowers to gluing ceramics back together. She loved her pets. Her greatest love was her family, especially her beloved children.
Surviving are her father, Barry L. (Nora) Wheeler of Alma; her mother, Susan K. Reesher of Bolivar; her two beloved daughters, Paige S. (Anya) Baldwin of Little Genesee and Ashtin R. Wheeler of Ceres, N.Y.; two stepbrothers, Tim Wilson of Angola and Tom Wilson of Belmont; three siblings, Barry L. (Annie) Wheeler, Jr. of Olean, Sherry (Chris) Stephens of Lackawanna, and Daytona K. Wheeler of Alma; two stepbrothers, her former fiancés, Jeff Baldwin of Little Genesee and Ricky Sherlock of Olean; two nieces, Carri Lee Wheeler (Sean) Fisher and Aubrey Wheeler; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Teresa was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Homer and Elsie Wheeler; her maternal grandparents, Howard and Grace Aumiller; and three aunts, Patty Aumiller Austin, Penny Tompkins, and Maryann Serkleski.
Family and friends are invited to call from 4 to 6pm on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where a celebration of life will follow at 6pm with her uncle, Howard Wheeler, officiating.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the SPCA of Allegany County, 1374 NY 19, Wellsville, NY 14895 or to the American Cancer Society.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Teresa, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Myra F. CRIPPEN, 74, of Genesee, PA, died Sunday, August 20, 2017 in her home.

Friends may gather at the family home on G.Crippen Road, Genesee to celebrate her life, Saturday October 21 between 1:00 and 4:00 pm.

Memorials may be made to the Genesee Area Library, P.O. Box 135, Genesee, PA 16923.Â Â

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved a $7 million financial package to fund completion of the Bradford Sanitary Authority upgrade, according to an announcement from Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).The financial assistance includes a $2.35 million grant and a $4.65 million loan with a 1 percent interest rate.The funding will be used to complete the final phase of the authority’s wastewater treatment plant upgrades. The project is focused on addressing solids handling and dewatering, disinfection, lack of vehicle storage, demolition, and a variety of architectural, electrical and HVAC upgrades. The project will result in improved water quality and better energy efficiency.PENNVEST provides low-cost financial assistance to sewer, storm water and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth. For more information, visit www.pennvest.pa.gov.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today invited high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors to take part in the first PennDOT Innovations Challenge.
“Every hour, about 15 reportable traffic crashes occur in Pennsylvania and although we have made positive steps towards reducing traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, a disproportionate number of these crashes involve teenagers,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Through PennDOT’s Innovations Challenge, we are inviting high school students to become an active part of the solution in helping develop innovative ways to tackle this real transportation concern.”
The PennDOT Innovations Challenge asks students to look at technologies and innovative methods, aside from traditional paid advertising, marketing and social media channels, that can be developed in the next five to ten years to curb unsafe teen driving practices.
The Innovations Challenge aims to not only help students explore real transportation challenges that PennDOT is facing, but also open their minds to the very real possibility of working for PennDOT after graduation. PennDot employs over 11,000 Pennsylvanians from a variety of educational backgrounds.
Through the PennDOT Innovations Challenge, 11 regional winners will be selected and be invited to compete in Harrisburg for the grand championship in April 2018. PennDOT intends for the Innovations Challenge to become an annual event.
For complete Innovations Challenge details visit www.penndot.gov/innovation. The deadline for submissions is January 31.
Meanwhile, Sweden Township police have posted some safe driving tips for teenagers:
*Always wear a seatbelt
*Obey Speed limit. Going too fast gives you less time to react.
*Use turn signals so other drivers know whay you are doing.
*Focus on the driving task, the road and conditions
*Don’t Eat and drink while driving. These are also distractions.
*Plan ahead. Know where you are going and get direcdtions.
*Leave early to give yourself plenty of time to get there.
We would add: Don’t talk on your cell phone or text while driving. Both are against the law and dangerous.

Potter County is applying to the US Department of Veterans Affairs to become a partner in a national initiative to thank and honor Vietnam veterans. It is a congressional program and Potter County Commissioner announced at the October 12 commissioners’ meeting, that the Potter County Veterans Service committee is planning a dinner with a well-known speaker and a memorial service to honor the; nine county soldiers who died in Vietnam. All Vietnam vets with any connection to Potter County will be invited to participate in the event which will be similar to one held a couple of years ago to honor Korean War vets. Invitations will be issued to vets and family members. More details will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Briefly in other news, Ridgway based state police are investigating an ID theft occurring on October 10 victimizing a Kersey woman. Criminals used a credit card belonging to Patricia Buchheit to make online purchases totaling $391.17 without her knowledge or permission.